U.S. Ambassador Jared Novelly presents Letter of Credence

Apia, SAMOA – 28 July 2026 – The United States new Ambassador to Samoa, His Excellency Jared Novelly presented his Letter of Credence to the Head of State of the Independent State of Samoa, Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II at a Credentials Ceremony held this morning at the Residence of the Head of State at Vailele.

The ceremony formally accredited His Excellency as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Samoa, with residence in Wellington, New Zealand.

Samoa and the United States have maintained cordial relations since diplomatic ties were formally established on 14 July 1971.

Novelly thanked the Head of State for the warm welcome and recognised the historical ties between the two countries tracing back to the arrival of U.S traders and Christian missionaries, whose early interactions laid the foundation for the strong bilateral relationship that continues to thrive today.

Ambassador Jared Novelly further reiterated his commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Samoa and stated that his priority is “…to ensure that the United States continues to be a reliable partner that listens, follows through, and works alongside Samoa.”

Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II acknowledged the 55 years of diplomatic relations between Samoa and the USA and indicated that the appointment of Mr Jared Novelly as the new Ambassador of the US to Samoa will further strengthen the existing bilateral relations through advancing mutual interests and building on existing cooperation.

H.E Jared Novelly established a successful career in business, sports management and philanthropy. He served as Principal of Crest Sports and Entertainment, where he owned and chaired the Illawarra Hawks of Australia’s National Basketball League and oversaw the company’s investment in the East Asia Super League.

He has held leadership roles across real estate, telecommunications and corporate management, including with Apex Holding Company, Apex Oil Corporation, Southwestern Bell Wireless, SBC Wireless/Cingular and SBC Management Services. He has also contributed extensively to charitable organisations supporting education, healthcare and religious institutions

He holds a Master of Property Development from the University of Technology Sydney and a Bachelor of Arts from Saint Louis University.  Ambassador Novelly also made courtesy calls on the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, Leader of the Opposition and Business Leaders before returning to Wellington later this week.